Windows 11 Now Lets You Access Your iPhone from the Start Menu - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Windows 11 Now Lets You Access Your iPhone from the Start Menu

Microsoft has announced an update to Windows 11 that allows iPhone users to access their devices directly from the Start menu, bringing feature parity with its existing Android phone integration.

windows 11 iphone start menu
The new functionality lets you view your device's battery status, cellular connectivity, and recent activities without leaving the Windows environment. You can also access messages, calls, and file sharing capabilities directly from the Start menu interface.

Setting up the integration is straightforward. Just open the Start menu and select "iPhone" from the right-side pane, then follow the on-screen instructions to establish the connection between your iPhone and PC.

The feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in both Dev and Beta channels. To access the new functionality, you must be running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 or higher in the Beta Channel, or Build 26120.3000 or higher in the Dev Channel. Additional requirements include Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher and a PC with Bluetooth LE capability.

Note that not all Windows 11 users will have immediate access to the feature. Microsoft says the integration is not supported on PCs running Windows 11 Pro Education or Education SKUs.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....

Top Rated Comments

21 months ago
wait so it’s possible to see iPhone’s battery status ON WINDOWS but it’s not possible on MacOS with it’s battery widget?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
e1me5 Avatar
21 months ago
That's nice! So now I can finally ditch my Macs. 😂😂😂😂
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Powerbooky Avatar
21 months ago
Even twenty years later, the slogan "Redmond, start your photocopiers" still applies apparently.

MacRumors content image
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cjsuk Avatar
21 months ago
No it doesn't because my PC went on ebay.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
21 months ago

Even twenty years later, the slogan "Redmond, start your photocopiers" still applies apparently.

MacRumors content image
I am struggling to see how this is relevant, beyond blind "fan" talk

It should be a standard feature for any phone on any OS at this point, but Apple was preventing it from happening for obvious reasons
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
21 months ago

No it doesn't because my PC went on ebay.
Yeah it does actually, just for the new owner.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)